Six Tucson-area breweries team up on Presidio Pale Ale

Barrio Brewing Company has brought back its Presidio Pale Ale, now available, and five Southern Arizona breweries are joining the project. Corbett Brewing, Dragoon Brewing, Harbottle Brewing, MotoSonora Brewing, and Sacred Hand Beer Co. helped brew this year's batch. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit the Tucson Presidio Museum.

The six breweries gathered at Barrio Brewing on Sept. 9 for "Presidio Pale Ale Brew Day." Each brewery committed to offering the beer at its taproom. Meanwhile, Barrio expects the beer to appear at other Southern Arizona bars, retail stores, and restaurants.

A second year for the commemorative beer

Barrio Brewing, Arizona's oldest brewery and a 100% employee-owned company, launched the first Presidio Pale Ale in 2025. The beer honors Tucson's 250-plus year history and came together in partnership with the Tucson Presidio Museum. Its sales led Barrio to donate $3,500 to the museum, which promotes, preserves, and interprets the origins of Tucson.

"We were so encouraged by the community's early and sustained response to this beer last year that we immediately committed to another year, even before we ran out of it," said Jaime Dickman, Barrio Brewing's chief operating officer. "And having five other local brewers roll up their sleeves and team up with us this year is beyond exciting. It is a testament to the beer’s potential in 2026, as well as to our shared passion for our region’s heritage and our collective support of what the Tucson Presidio Museum stands for."

Supporting the Tucson Presidio Museum

Lt. Col. Hugo O'Conor established the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson on Aug. 20, 1775, in what is now downtown Tucson. The museum at 196 N. Court Ave. sits near the northeast corner of the original presidio. Visitors can see a reconstruction of the presidio, an 1850s Sonoran Row home, a replica of a 2,000-year-old pit house, and the Early People's Park.

"We are grateful for the continued support of Barrio Brewing, and to their collaborative partners, which will help to make possible every field trip we host, every walking tour we conduct, every living history experience we provide, every exhibit we showcase, and every lecture and special event we offer," said Amy Hartmann-Gordon, executive director of the Tucson Presidio Museum.

What to expect in the glass

Presidio Pale Ale weighs in at 6% ABV. A solid malt backbone supports floral, spicy, and citrus-like flavors and aromas from Amarillo hops. Barrio recommends pairing it with spicy, salty, fried, barbecued, or grilled foods.

Other suggested matches include burgers, spicy Indian or Mexican entrees, fish and chips, and cheeseboards. For more places to try local beer, browse Tucson Foodie's guide to local breweries. Learn more about the beer and the museum at barriobrewing.com and tucsonpresidio.com.